Separatists call march, curfew back in Srinagar

Curfew was re-imposed in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir on Friday, following a separatist call urging people to come out on a march to pay tributes to four people killed in security forces' action on July 6. HT reports.

Curfew was re-imposed in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir on Friday, following a separatist call urging people to come out on a march to pay tributes to four people killed in security forces' action on July 6.

Elsewhere in the state, a Major and two army personnel were injured in an ongoing operation in the Beri-Rakh area of Poonch district, on Friday.

In the Valley, at least six people were injured in clashes between protesters and security forces on Friday.

Kashmir has been on the boil since June 11 after a boy was killed in alleged teargas shelling by the police.

The death sparked a wave of protests, and subsequent security forces action claimed another 15 civilians lives.

In north Kashmir, strict security restrictions were in place in Handwara, Sopore and Baramulla on Friday. In south Kashmir, Pulwama and Anantnag towns were placed under curfew.

A clash broke out in uptown Srinagar's Hyderpora, Peerbagh and Barzullah areas when people, heeding the separatist call, started marching towards Batamaloo, 2 km away, after the Friday prayers.

In Poonch, Maj J Shekwat, Naik Maninder and Rifleman Partap Bhanu were injured in the encounter that started on July 11. Maj Amit Thenge died in the encounter on July 13 and a Colonel was injured.

Two militants were shot dead on July 15 but at least six militants are reportedly hiding in the forested area.

"The operation is continuing and the terrorists will be flushed out," defence spokesperson Col Biplav Nath said.